OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Animal Welfare

Save
May 1, 2024 Updated May 11, 2025 19 minute read
Jump to courses and books

Animal welfare is a multifaceted and increasingly important field that considers the physical and psychological well-being of animals. It encompasses a wide range of concerns, from the conditions in which animals are raised for food and fiber, to their use in research and entertainment, and the care of companion animals. At its core, animal welfare seeks to ensure that animals are treated humanely, that their needs are met, and that any suffering is minimized. This discipline draws upon scientific understanding of animal behavior and physiology, ethical considerations regarding our responsibilities towards other living beings, and the development of effective policies and practices to protect them.

Path to Animal Welfare

Take the first step.
We've curated 15 courses to help you on your path to Animal Welfare. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about Animal Welfare: by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Animal Welfare.
Cover image
Animal Liberation
Save
Classic work of animal rights philosophy. Singer argues that animals are capable of suffering and that it is wrong to inflict suffering on them.
Animal Liberation
Paperback
Check
Animal Liberation
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Laboratory Animal Husbandry
Save
Takes an interdisciplinary approach to animal welfare, natural science, and philosophy to gain a comprehensive understanding of it and its major themes. It also provides an overview of a variety of perspectives and debates within the field.
Laboratory Animal Husbandry: Ethology, Welfare and...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Sciences of Animal Welfare
Save
Provides a collection of essays on a variety of topics in animal welfare science. It is written by leading experts in the field and provides a comprehensive overview of current research and thinking.
The Sciences of Animal Welfare (UFAW Animal Welfare)
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Underdogs
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal welfare, with chapters covering a wide range of topics from history and philosophy to ethical issues and practical applications.
Underdogs: Pets, People, and Poverty (Animal Voices...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
The Animal Activist's Handbook
Save
Provides a foundational understanding of animal welfare, with chapters on philosophical and ethical perspectives, methods to assess welfare, and case studies in animal agriculture and research.
The Animal Activist's Handbook: Maximizing Our...
Paperback
$$
The Animal Activist's Handbook
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The Case for Animal Rights
Save
Presents a philosophical argument for animal rights. Regan argues that animals are sentient beings who deserve to be treated with respect.
The Case for Animal Rights
Paperback
Check
The Case for Animal Rights
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Animal Welfare and Meat Production
Save
Provides a practical guide to improving the welfare of animals in meat production systems. Grandin world-renowned expert on animal welfare and her book is based on her extensive experience in the field.
Animal Welfare and Meat Production
Paperback
$$$
Animal Welfare and Meat Production
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Poultry Science
Save
Is written by scientists with knowledge and expertise in the welfare of chickens and covers species-specific needs and the latest research.
Poultry Science
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Understanding Animal Welfare
Save
Focuses on the welfare of farm animals, covering both the scientific basis of welfare and practical aspects of farm animal management.
Understanding Animal Welfare
Paperback
Check
Understanding Animal Welfare
Kindle Edition
Check
Relevant careers
Animal Welfare Scientist
Animal Protection Officer
Animal Care Technician
Veterinarian
Animal Trainer
Related topics
Animal Ethics
Animal Rights
Veterinary Medicine
Share this
Share to help others explore Animal Welfare:
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Table of Contents
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser